The staff, volunteers and especially all the animals at the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The shelter would like to share the Prayer for Animals by Albert Schweitzer.

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for

our friends the animals, especially for

animals who are suffering; for any

Cherry is a sweet and friendly tortoise shell kitten. — Alison L. Mead

that are hunted or lost or deserted

or frightened or hungry; for all that

must be put to death.

We entreat for them all thy mercy

and pity, and for those who deal

with them, we ask a heart of

compassion and gentle hands and

kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to

be true friends to animals and so

to share the blessings of the merciful.

Shelter hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The shelter is closed Sunday and Monday. The telephone number is 508-627-8662.

Contributions are always gratefully accepted; the shelter is funded solely by donations. The Susie Fund was established to pay the medical expenses of animals at the shelter who need medical care. Please make checks out to The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard; the mailing address is P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539.